Adolf Lange Paintings

Ferdinand Adolph Lange, commonly known as Adolf Lange, was a German watchmaker who is renowned for his contributions to the watchmaking industry and the foundation of the high-quality watch manufacturing company A. Lange & Söhne. Born on February 18, 1815, in Dresden, Germany, Lange was apprenticed to the well-known court watchmaker Johann Christian Friedrich Gutkaes, where he honed his craft and developed a deep understanding of precision watchmaking.

Adolf Lange's career took a significant turn in 1845 when he established his own watchmaking company in Glashütte, a small town in Saxony. His vision was to create 'the perfect watch' and he sought to elevate the standard of watchmaking in Germany to compete with the esteemed Swiss industry. Lange introduced several innovations in the field, including the development of the three-quarter plate for the movements of pocket watches, which enhanced their stability and ease of service. He was also instrumental in standardizing parts and processes in watchmaking, improving the precision and quality of the timepieces.

Beyond his technical achievements, Lange was also a social entrepreneur. He played a crucial role in transforming Glashütte into a hub for high-quality watch manufacturing and was committed to training and employing local residents, contributing significantly to the region's economic development. Lange's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation laid the groundwork for Glashütte's reputation as a center of horology.

Adolf Lange's legacy was carried on by his sons, Richard and Emil, who continued to run A. Lange & Söhne after his death on December 3, 1875. The company faced many challenges, including the impact of World War II and the subsequent expropriation during the Soviet occupation. However, after German reunification, Lange's great-grandson, Walter Lange, along with watch industry expert Günter Blümlein, revived the brand in 1990, once again producing luxury watches under the Lange name. Today, A. Lange & Söhne is celebrated for its high-quality craftsmanship and remains a symbol of excellence in the watchmaking industry.